Every pet parent wants the best for the canine friend, this includes a set of healthy, clean teeth.
Dental care is an essential aspect of grooming, so it mustn’t be overlooked.
Neglecting a dog’s teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum diseases, and other painful conditions.
That being said, one can never be too careful. Dental issues can occur at any time and treating them cost a lot.
According to sources, dental diseases cost an average of $1,942, a significant amount that could be draining if it isn’t covered by insurance.
This guide will discuss everything you need to know about dog dental insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Dental care is important: This includes regular dental hygiene and treatment of diseases.
- Dental cost is high: Treating dental diseases in dogs and cats is expensive.
- Here’s where dental insurance comes in: Pet insurance can help cover the cost, though not all cover dental treatments.
What is Dog Dental Insurance?
Dog dental insurance is a subset of an overall pet insurance system that aims at aiding pet parents to cover up treatments.
Dental health is usually covered as a plan amongst other pet medical insurance plans.
Because it isn’t done by all pet insurance companies, you should figure out which ones do and what issues the insurance covers.
Companies in the United Kingdom may sometimes pay 100% of vet fees.
Those in the United States and Canada often pay up to 70%, though some may provide 100% treatment.
Usually, the dog owner pays the amount to the veterinarian, then sends a claim form to get a refund.
If the fee is too high, the veterinarian may agree to put off payment till the owner gets it from the insurance or the company pays directly to the veterinarian on behalf of the owner.
You must be aware of these options when considering pet insurance companies.
What are the Common Dental Illnesses and Injuries in Dogs?
Like humans, dogs can suffer from dental illnesses.
That is what makes dental care important as it helps prevent these problems.
According to experts, here are the common dental illnesses and injuries in dogs:
- Plaque
- Gingivitis
- Tooth loss
- Periodontitis
- Tooth root abscesses
What Does Pet Dental Insurance Cover?
Generally, there are two types of dental coverage plans: dental illnesses and dental accidents.
Not all companies cover both, but the best ones usually do. In those companies, here are some issues the dental insurance covers:
- Broken teeth
- Removed teeth
- Stomatitis
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease
What isn’t Covered By Dental Insurance for Dogs?
No company covers every dental issue a dog might have or any other dental-related cost.
Even the best ones have their limits. Thus, here are the exclusions:
- Implants
- Fillings
- Routine care
- Old issues before you began the insurance
The first three are usually included in a wellness plan.
Dog Dental Insurance Cost
As you figure out which companies offer dental coverages that cover both dental illnesses and dental accidents, set aside an amount for the monthly premium you will be required to pay.
This usually varies and depends on factors like your pet’s age, the plan and coverage you want, the particular dog breed of your pet, where you live, the value of the company itself, and the amount for deductible and copay.
The average cost for a puppy can be $10 per month.
For an older dog, one with preexisting health conditions, or a breed that’s prone to dental issues, you may be looking at $100.
Additional plans for routine care would require additional costs estimated at $10 to $40 per month.
Tips to Find Affordable Dental Care
Knowing how the cost of pet medical care keeps increasing, dental care can drain a hole in your wallet if you stay unprepared.
Find options to make dental care for your pooch less of a burden for you.
Here are some tips that could help you:
1. Dental Insurance Plan
Getting a good dental insurance plan is the first big step to reducing the cost of dental treatment.
With every rising vet cost, good insurance can cushion the effect of an unforeseen circumstance like a broken tooth.
2. Preventive care
This is also vital in reducing dental costs. When you take care of your dog’s teeth, you reduce the chances of dental disease.
Keep your dog in a safe yard too to avoid injuries.
3. Savings
Start savings that can help you manage veterinarian costs.
Even with a good dental insurance plan, savings can help you cover up what may not be covered by the company you choose.
4. Wellness Plan
Consider a wellness plan for routine checkups. While it increases the dental insurance cost, it is cheaper in the long run.
The wellness plan covers every form of dental care not related to illness or accidents.
This includes checkups and buying a good dental kit.
5. Buy/adopt a healthy breed
Get a good dog breed with no pre-existing medical conditions from a reputable breeder or rescue shelter.
Do not be swayed by cheap offers and empty guarantees.
Getting a healthy breed will help reduce any possible problems in the future, including dental ones.
Best Pet Dental Insurance Companies
With other information you’ve gotten from this article, the next step is to find the best pet insurance company with considerable dental coverage that would benefit you.
We’ve taken the liberty of putting together the 5 best pet insurance companies you can consider. They are:
1. Embrace Pet Insurance
This company provides a coverage plan that takes care of both illnesses and accidents. It also provides a wellness plan and other treatments you may not find elsewhere.
The cost for dental accident and treatment in the Embrace Pet Insurance dental plan is between $25 to $50 per month.
The wellness plan could be between $25 to $50.
Embrace Dental Insurance Coverage Plan:
- Accidents like burns and trauma
- Endodontic treatment
- Reimbursement for eligible medical treatments
Wellness Plan
- Annual dental check
- Groomer’s dental care
- Dental supplements
- Regular dental cleaning
- Pet toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Trupanion
Trupanion also offers dental coverage for illnesses and accidents. It even covers the extraction of teeth and some tooth abnormalities.
There are some requirements to meet, and the coverage is subject to some terms and conditions.
In general, Trupanion insurance charges $38.93 per month when your deductible is $1,000 and $155.34 when there is no deductible.
Trupanion Dental Insurance Coverage Plan:
- Veterinary treatment for dental illness and injury
3. Pets Best
Pets Best has a well-detailed dental coverage plan and offers a plan to help prevent dental illnesses.
Its coverage plan takes into account dental illnesses and injuries.
The general cost for this insurance company is $9 if you want an accident-only plan and $35 to $58 for accidents and illnesses.
Some terms and conditions apply for dental insurance, which you can read on the website.
Pets Best Dental Insurance Coverage Plan:
- Endodontic treatment
- Extraction of tooth
- Dental fractures
4. Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws has a comprehensive plan that covers a wide range of issues, including cancer and dental problems.
The cost of insuring a dog with Healthy Paws is $20, which may vary depending on your deductible.
Healthy Paws Dental Insurance Coverage Plan:
- Dental care for injuries. They do not cover routine care.
5. Petplan
Petplan is comprehensive and covers new illnesses and diseases.
Amongst their plans is a non-routine dental treatment and inherited conditions.
Their insurance cost falls around $30 to $40, with many factors influencing it.
Petplan Dental Insurance Coverage Plan:
- Similar to Healthy Paws, Petplan offers dental injuries and illnesses but doesn’t cover routine care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you claim insurance for a dog’s teeth?
Many pet insurance companies cover dental work, but not as a standard plan. This means you’d have to pay extra for it.
That being said, you can claim insurance, but not for routine dental care as that isn’t covered by most pet insurance companies.
Does dog insurance cover dental cleaning and treatment?
Dog insurance dental plans usually cover dental treatment for injuries and accidents.
Cleaning falls under the wellness plan, which is a distinct coverage.
How much does it cost to have dental work on a dog?
Dental work often involves dental cleaning, which costs between $300 to $700.
How much does it cost to have a dog tooth pulled?
Tooth extraction is not a very cheap process. It can cost around $500 to $800.
What happens if you don’t get your dog’s teeth cleaned?
Dental hygiene is an essential part of a dog’s overall well-being.
Neglecting this would not only give your dog a bad mouth odor but will also cause dental illnesses.
Should I have my old dog’s teeth pulled?
Some pet parents opt for pulling out the teeth of a senior dog, but this isn’t a decision to make alone.
Consult a veterinarian for professional counsel.
Final Thoughts
Pet insurance is a wise step to take, including dental care.
Without it, veterinarian costs may prove too weighty for you to carry, a situation that often pushes pet parents to abandon their ailing pets in rescue shelters.
Be diligent to find an affordable option amidst the ones we’ve suggested or any other you find convenient, and take preventive steps to maintain your dog’s teeth.
This also applies to all the needs a dog has.
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Reference:
Forbes: Pet Dental Insurance
VCA Hospital: Common Dog Dental Problems
